orientation

As empty nesters know, getting a freshman prepared for college can be expensive.

The same goes for a freshman in Congress.

The Trump administration on Wednesday withdrew Obama-era guidance directing public schools to allow transgender students to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity, a move that changes a pending Supreme Court case on the contentious social issue.

A letter from the administration to the Supreme Court on Wednesday included a memo from the Education and Justice departments formally withdrawing the guidance.

With President-elect Donald Trump rounding out his Cabinet, new members of Congress have been going through a similar — although more predictable — process of filling out their congressional offices. 

The first and most important hires are almost always the chiefs of staff, who come from all walks of political life. Most commonly, new members tap their campaign managers or the chiefs of departing members. They also often retain members of their kitchen cabinets, or close personal advisers, as their chiefs. 

From lunches to tours to briefings, the newly elected House freshmen experienced the traditional new member orientation much like one new students have in college.

As eager and determined as they arrived, questions — especially for directions — loomed over confused faces during the first week, which started on Monday.